Ravens have issues
QB in limbo for big game vs. Bengals
Joe Flacco’s sore right hip means Baltimore Ravens coach John Harbaugh might have to wait until today before deciding who to start at quarterback in a pivotal home game against the Cincinnati Bengals. Harbaugh’s options are Flacco, an ailing 11-year veteran; Lamar Jackson, a rookie who’s never made an NFL start; or Robert Griffin III, who’s been inactive every game this season. NFL ROUNDUP Rather than fret, Harbaugh put a positive spin on the situation. “It just makes it tougher for the Bengals to prepare for us,” he said. “So, that’s kind of a good thing.” Actually, Cincinnati coach Marvin Lewis couldn’t care less. He has his own problems, most notably a horrific defense that set a dubious Super Bowl-era record by yielding at least 500 yards in three successive games. Lewis fired defensive coordinator Teryl Austin on Monday and assumed the responsibility of running the defense with the aid of Hue Jackson, who was hired Tuesday after being dismissed as head coach of the Browns earlier this season. Asked to describe his wild week, Lewis said quite sarcastically: “Yeah, it’s what you wish for.” The Ravens (4-5) and Bengals (5-4) expected to be in a better place with seven games to go. After a 4-2 start, Baltimore has lost three straight. The Bengals have dropped 4-of-5. The importance of this game for both teams cannot be understated. “Us and Baltimore at this point ... we need this win,” Cincinnati receiver Tyler Boyd said. “It’s a huge game to make or break a team.” Broncos lose Garcia Denver Broncos guard Max Garcia is out for the season because of a torn knee ligament, a person with knowledge of the injury said. An MRI Friday revealed a tear of the anterior cruciate ligament. Garcia apparently was injured during Thursday’s practice, although he finished the workout and wasn’t listed on the team’s injury report. Falcons’ Jones out Falcons middle linebacker Deion Jones (right foot) still is not ready to play and will be inactive todayagainst Dallas. Kicker Matt Bryant had a good week of practice and will be on Atlanta’s game-day roster after missing the past three games with a sore hamstring . ... Los Angeles Rams defensive tackle Aaron Donald was fined $23,395 by the NFL, $10,026 for unnecessary roughness and $13,369 for unsportsmanlike conduct. Donald got into a scuffle on the sideline with Justin Britt in the fourth quarter of the Rams’ win against Seattle last Sunday. The first fine was for a facemask against Britt and the second was for his conduct after the game when he put his helmet on as he tried to confront Britt. Britt was fined $20,054 for unnecessary roughness for his late hit on Donald when he was out of bounds. Bosa a maybe Los Angeles Chargers defensive end Joey Bosa (left foot) and tight end Antonio Gates (knee) are listed as questionable for today’s game against Denver. Coach Anthony Lynn said Bosa remains a game-time decision but looked good in team and individual drills after missing two months because of a bone bruise . ... The Detroit Lions have ruled receiver Marvin Jones out of today’s game against Carolina because of a knee injury. It will be the second missed game for Jones in the past three-plus seasons. Panthers receiver Torrey Smith also will miss the game with a knee injury . ... The Tennessee Titans are getting a pair of starters back for their trip to Indianapolis today. Right tackle Jack Conklin has been cleared from the concussion protocol after missing last week’s win against the Patriots, while outside linebacker Derrick Morgan (shoulder) is set to return after practicing fully the past two days . ... The Chicago Bears activated Adam Shaheen from injured reserve and placed fellow tight end Dion Sims (concussion) on IR.